Call Description

Theme: Time - A Journey Through Moments, Memories, and Change

From fleeting instants to the perpetual flow of the years, Time is an elusive yet powerful concept. It dictates our daily rhythms, ages our bodies, and leaves marks on both the world and our minds. It is ever-changing, never static. We invite you to submit your interpretation of Time in all its forms - whether it’s capturing a single moment that tells a lifetime’s story, a scene that evokes nostalgia or contemplation, or an abstract exploration of the passage of days.

We encourage submissions that explore Time in any of its complex dimensions: personal, historical, emotional, or conceptual. This is an opportunity to showcase how photography can freeze moments, convey the relentless march of time, or reflect on the cyclical nature of existence.

Application Requirements

Submission Guidelines:

• Eligibility: Open to all photographers nationwide (USA).
• Submission Deadline: June 28, 2025.
• How to Submit:
  Submissions should be sent via CAFE. Each photographer may submit up to 3 images. Please ensure that images are:
  • File Format: JPG
  • Image Resolution: 1600 pixels, at a minimum of 100 dpi
  • File Name Format: LastName_FirstName_Title_01
  • Price of sale for each photograph

• Entry Fee: $35 for three images
• If selected, all physical photographs must be received by July 30, 2025.
• All genres of photography are welcome, from portraiture to landscape, documentary to experimental, digital to film.
• AI-Generated photographs will not be accepted.
• Attendance for the opening reception is not required, but highly encouraged.

Eligibility Criteria

Judging Process:

The juror will evaluate submissions based on creativity, originality, technical skill, relevance to theme, etc.

Juror: 

Renowned photography collector, Allen Thomas Jr.

Thomas’ photography collection is widely known. A Wilson native and part-time Raleigh resident, Thomas has had solo exhibitions of his collection at several museums, including Raleigh’s North Carolina Museum of Art and CAM Raleigh, and has loaned work to more than 50 exhibitions worldwide. He is the co-founder of Artsuite, an online platform and art marketplace. He served sixteen years on the boards of trustees of NCMA and six years at CAM Raleigh, where he was chairman.

Prizes:

The following award will be presented to the top three submissions:

• An exhibition at the American Center for Photographers slated for 2026.

Additional recognition may be awarded at the discretion of the juror.

Exhibition Details:

• Opening Reception Date: August 9, 2025 from 5-7pm
• Exhibition Location: The American Center for Photographers, 230 Goldsboro St. S. Wilson, NC 27893
• Exhibition Dates: August 7, 2025- August 31, 2025

How to Apply:

To submit your work, visit CAFE, callforentry.org, and follow the instructions for uploading your images. Creating a profile is free. All online entries must be submitted by June 28, 2025.

For any questions, please contact Carmen Bartlett, Gallery Manager at americancenterforphotographers@gmail.com

Additional Information:

• Selected artists will be notified by July 9, 2025.
• The exhibition will be showcased in person, as well as a selection online.
• All accepted works must be available for exhibition and must meet the physical or digital requirements for display.
  • Due to the unique nature in which images are hung in this gallery, accepted images must:
    • Not be framed (as a simple clip system is used, an elegant clear tab is placed on the back of the mattes to ensure a clean display, and no harm to the images).
    • Images must be matted.
    • All sizes are accepted so long as the longest edge does not exceed 36".
    • Images must be available for sale.
      • If an image is sold, the gallery retains 35%, the photographer will receive 65% of sale at the conclusion of the exhibition.
    • Shipping is the responsibility of the photographer. All work must include return shipping label. In person drop off is preferred.
    • If images are not picked up, or if the gallery does not receive proper return shipping, by September 28, 2025, it is left to the discretion of the gallery to retain or sell the work and keep the earnings from abandoned photographs.

Submit your work and join us in reflecting on Time — a force that binds us all. Let your lens capture what words cannot describe.